Method of forming objects and apparatus therefor



J. W. FAGAN May 14, 1957 METHOD OF" FORMING OBJECTS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR 3 Sheets-Shea.

Filed May 31. 1952 af yara.

y 4, 1957 J. w. FAGAN 2,792,046

METHOD OF FORMING OBJECTS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed May 31. 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 J7 ZU67Z077 Jfz Wfaw y 4, 1957 J. w. FAGAN 2,792,046

METHOD OF FORMING OBJECTS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed May 31. 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent METHOD OF FORMING OBJECTS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR John W. Fagan, Chicago, Ill. Application May 31, 1952, Serial No. 290,867

9 Claims. (Cl. 153-32) The invention relates generally to tensioning structures, and more particularly to a method and structure for applying tensioning forces in forming or deforming opand the like, and the invention is herein disclosed in connection with a structure especially adapted for straightening car frames, as well as forming or straightening other articles, such as bumpers, beams, etc.

In the past, equipment utilized in straightening operations on automobile car frames, and the like, has generally been relatively complicated and expensive. Such types of straightening apparatus normally employ means for supporting the vehicle whereby certain portions of the frame may be rigidly clamped or held, and pressure by hydraulic, or other means, applied to other desired portions of the frame structure. Normally such apparatus is operative to apply pressure in only a single direction at any one time. Thus, if pressure is being applied in a direction transverse to the general plane of the car frame, pressure cannot simultaneously be applied in an axial or longitudinal direction. It is therefore necessary in such a case for the operator to set up and adjust the structure for the application of force in one direction, following which the initial setup must be stripped down, the vehicle reset in the apparatus, before pressure may be applied in a diiferent direction.

Such present equipment also has among its disadvantages the necessity of utilizing a relatively large number of jigs and fixtures in connection with the clamping mechanisms necessary to maintain portions of the frame immobile while pressure is applied to a selected part thereof, and that, as the vehicle is normally supported in a horizontal position during the straightening operations with relatively little additional clearance beneath the vehicle than normally exists, the operator must work in relatively cramped quarters, and at times must be substantially under the vehicle. It will be appreciated from the above that the operator of such types of apparatus must spend a relatively large amount of time in setting up the appartus, particularly where more than one application of pressure is required, each of which is in a different direction, as well as requiring a relatively large amount of effort on the part of the operator, who must be well skilled to enable him to determine the most efiective setup of the apparatus to achieve the desired I results. Likewise, as present types of equipment normally are of a rack construction, wherein the vehicle is driven up upon the apparatus and thus elevated above the floor, such apparatus, when not in use, renders the relatively large amount of space occupied by the same unusable for other purposes.

The present invention, therefore, has among its objets the utilization of a novel method of a straightening or forming objects which enables the application of forces Patented May 14;, 1957 'ice upon the object being formed in such a manner that the forces may be applied simultaneously in a number of different directions to produce the desired forming or straightening action on the object so that, in a large number of cases, a single operation will achieve the desired results.

A further object of the invention is the production of a device for practicing such method which, in most cases, does not require the application of power to the structure to produce desired forces, the latter being obtained by the action of gravity which can be supplemented by external forces when desired or required.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a structure which is exceedingly simple in construction and operation, requiring a minimum amount of manual labor in connection with the use thereof, a considerably lesser number of jigs and fixtures, and which is so designed that the portions of the vehicle being worked on are much more accessible, whereby the bulk of the manual operations can be performed by the operator from the sides of the vehicle without requiring him to work directly underneath the same. Likewise, the operator may control the straightening operations from any location with respect to the vehicle so that he may be positioned at the most suitable location to view the operation.

Another object of the invention is the production of such a device which is so designed that the operation of the same may be readily and accurately under the control of the operator at all times so that substantially the exact required amount of force necessary to accomplish the forming operation may be applied, and which is so designed that the operation may be adjusted to produce substantially any desired aplication of force or combination of forces to the car frame, or other object, necessary to achieve the desired results.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a device which may be so designed that it may be positioned out of the way when not in use, whereby the space required during use of the device is available for other purposes when the necessity for the apparatus does not exist.

tion herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

To this end, my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a straightening and forming apparatus embodying the present invention;

I Fig. 2 is a longitudinal, sectional view through the structure illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a modified counterbalancing structure;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view illustrating the utilization of'the' device for a straightening operation on an automobile frame;

Fig. 5 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating the principles involved in the operation of the device;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a straightening operation such as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5;

Fig. 7 is-a diagrammatic figure showing several of the possible leverage relationships which may be involved in, the operation of th e device;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the operating member and beam illustrating this application of forces to a car frame;

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the setup illustrated in Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is aside elevational view illustrating still a different setup wherein testing forces are applied to portions of the vehicle frame; I II Fig. 11 is an elevational view of a setup similar to Fig. 9 for performing a twisting operation; I Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of a setup for performing a straightening or forming operation on a relatively small article, such as a car bumper, or the like; and Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of a setup wherein power is applied to the straightening apparatus I The present invention is directed to astructure which, in applications such as vehicle frame straightening, and

the like, may utilize the weight of the vehicle under the action of gravity to normally produce considerably more than sufiicient force to accomplish the desired'straightening or forming operations. I I I The embodiment of the invention illustrated utilizes the mechanical advantage obtained from two levers or members, each pivotally movable about a respective axis, such axes being spaced a relatively short distance compared with the length of the respective members with the relation of the axes and the resulting movements of the members being so selected that as the members pivot downward, certain portions of one member will follow a path diverging from the path of a portion of the other member. Consequently, if one member is of relatively fixed length and inherently rigid, and the other member is relatively pliable, by suitable connection between the two members at points having diverging paths of movement, such movement can be translated into'a relatively very large elongating or tension force on the relatively pliable member, particularly where the divergence is extremely small compared with the length of the levers or members. By the addition of supplementary tools or fixtures, the resultant force may be distributed or applied to different portions of the pliable member in widely differing directions. As will be apparent from the following detailed description, this ability with the present invention to simultaneously apply or distribute a plurality of forces in different directions enables the production of a force or combination of forces substantially reversely comparable to those which caused the initial distortion or deformation, resulting not only in more accurate andefficient operations than could be obtained from present types of apparatus, but also resulting in a considerable saving in time and manpower. I

While the present invention, as illustrated in the drawings, is designed for mounting in a floor, or the like, as for example, in the floor of a garage or establishment utilizing the same, the invention may be readily applied to arack 'type of construction wherein the entire apparatus would be self-contained, and thus readily placed in any available space. Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 and'2, 1 indicates generally a forceapplying beam which, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, comprises a main body member 2 constructed from suitable tubing, the body member 2 being secured at one end 3 to a transversely extending base member 4, the latter also being of tubular construction and rigidly connected to the body member 2 by suitable means, as for example, welding, or the like. Connected to the body member 2 and the base member 4 is a pair of brace members 5, likewise formed from suitable tubing and secured to the respective members by Welding, or other suitable means, the members 5 providing suitable structural strength and rigidity between the body members 2 and the base member 4. Telescopically related to the body member 2 is a tubular extension member 6, the free end of the member 2 being suitablyformed, as indicated at 7, to provide a snug bearing connection between the body member 2 and the extension member 6, wherebythe I latter may be readily axially extended from or retracted into the body member 2.

Also positioned within the body member 2 adjacent the base member 4 is a hydraulic cylinder or jack, indicated generally by the numeral 8, having a fluid conduit 9 associated therewith for connection to a suitable source of hydraulic power. The conduit 9 extends through an opening 11 in the under side of the body member 2. The reciprocable work member 12 of the hydraulic cylinder 8 is connected to the inner end of the extension member 6 by a cylindrical head 13 having a flange 14 thereon which is seated on the inner end of the extension member 6. Pivotally mounted on the free end 15 of the extension member 6 is a chain or cable connector, indicated generally by the numeral 16, having a stem 17 rotatably carried in the extension member 6, and a radially extending arm 18, the forward edge of which is provided with a plurality of serrations or notches 19 in which the connecting chain or cable may be positioned. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the swivel member 15 i's'pro'vided with an annular cap 21' which seats on'the outer end of the extension member 6.

The floor 22 is provided with a generally 'T-shapcd 'cavityor recess, indicated generally by the numeral 23, having a longitudinally extending portion 24 of a size to receive the body member 1 and extension member 6, and a transversely extending portion 25 of a length to receive the base member 4, the cavity 23 being enlarged adjacent the juncture of the portions 24; and 25, as indicated at 26, to provide space for the brace members 5 when the device is positioned in the cavity 23, so that the entire device when not in use may be positioned be- 'low the plane of the floor 22, thus permitting other utilization of the floor area adjacent the device. Obviously, in such cases the swivel member 16 would be removed from the extension member 6 prior to insertion of the device in the cavity 23. As clearly illustrated in Fig. 2, the side walls and bottom of the cavity 23 are defined by a bed member 27 including a'bottom 28 and peripheral side walls 29, the bed member 27 being formed as a unitary structure, as for example, by welding, or otherwise fabricating a plurality of individual members of the desired size and strength into a unitary structure. It will be noted that the portion 25 of the cavity 23 is of a size to snugly receive the base member 4 but, at the same time, permit rotation of the base member 4 and associated structure about the axis of the base member. Thus the structure 1 may be readily rotated from a horizontal position into an inclined position, as-illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

i As the structure 1 is fabricated from relatively heavy Imaterial required to withstand the relatively heavy forces jttrIoduced inthe structure, suitable colmterbalancing rn ean s is provided whereby the structure 1 may be readily rotated by the operator. In the construction illustrated in F ig 2, a counterbalancing weight 31 is employed, the latter being carried by a counterbalance arm 3?. rigidly connected to the base member 4 and extending'down- Wardly through 'an opening 33 in the bottom 28 of the bed member-and opening 34 in the floor structure, the Weight beingsuitably positioned along the portion 35 of the arm 32 and adjustably held in position by collars 36 having locking screws 37 thereon.

It will beappreciated that the counterweight construction illustratedin Fig. 2 is suitable where accessible space below the floor 22 is available, as for example, where there is a basement beneath the floor 22. In those cases Where, for one reason or another, such space below the floor is not available, or in-embodiments of the invention designed as an individual piece of equipment which merely rests on a floor, or other supporting surface. other counterbalancing means may be 'employe'dfas for example, a

counterbalancing spring structure such as that illustrated in Fig. 3. I I

.In this construction, the-bed 23 isprovide'd-with a partition wall 38 adjacent each end of the ba'se'member 4 forming a channel 39 between the partition wall 38 and the end Wall 41 of the bed 23'. Positioned in the base member 4, at each end of the latter, is a coiled torque spring 42, the outer end 43 of which is rigidly secured to the adjacent end of the base member 4, as for example, by suitable pin or rivet 44, welding, or other suitable means. The opposite inner end 45 of each spring 42 is held in fixed relation with respect to the bed 23' by an anchor member, indicated generally by the numeral 46, having a cylindrical or tubular portion 4'7 rigidly secured to an anchor plate or member 48 positioned in the space 3% between the partition wall 38 and the end wall 41, the partition Wall 38 having a vertically extending slot 49 therein of a size to receive the fixed end of the member 47. The anchor plate 48 is rectangular in shape, and of a size to be snugly positioned between adjacent walls of the bed 23 whereby rotation of the plate 48 and member 47 is prevented. The plate 48 may also be secured to the end wall 41, as illustrated in Fig. 3, wherein the top edges of the plate 48 and end Wall 41 terminate in outwardly extending flanges 51 and 52, the latter being rigidly secured together by suitable means, such as one or more screws 53. The inner end 45 of the spring 42 terminates in a diametrically extending portion 54, which is positioned in a longitudinally or axially extending slot 55 in the free inner end of the member 47, thus firmly anchoring such end of the spring relative to the bed 23'. The springs 42 are so designed that they substantially offset the weight of the movable structure, thereby effectively counterbalancing the same. It will be apparent that the effective weight of the body member 2, extension member 6, etc., increase as the structure approaches a horizontal position, and decrease as the structure approaches a vertical position, and in like manner, the torque force exerted by the spring increases with downward movement of the structure, so that an effective counterbalancing action is achieved substantially throughout the normal range of movement of the device. Suitable hydraulic or pneumatic counterbalancing could likewise be employed.

Figs. 4 through 11 illustrate the operation of the device in straightening vehicle frames, and the like. Such straightening operations normally would be performed without dismantling or disassembling of the vehicle, so that the latter would normally be placed over the apparatus in substantially the same condition as it existed upon arrival in the shop or garage. However, for the purposes of illustration, only an automobile frame is illustrated in the drawings, Fig. 4, however, indicating the wheels and outline of the car body in dotted lines to bring out the fact that while the apparatus could be employed with individual frames, substantially all frame-straightening operations would be accomplished on, the assembled vehicle.

Referring to Figs. 4, 5, and 6, in one type of straightening of a vehicle frame, the car would be driven or moved over the beam 1, the latter being initially in a horizontal position, and the rear portion of the frame would be anchored to suitable fixed means, as for eX- ample, one or more eyebolts 56 anchored in the floor 22, the eyebolts being positioned to the rear of the base member 4, land in the construction illustrated, would normally be positioned about four feet to the rear of the base member. It might be mentioned that while only two anchoring means are illustrated in the drawings, a series of similar anchoring devices may be employed spaced at varying distances from the base member 4, as well as varying distances laterally from the axis of the, body member 2, the number and location of the anchoring means being dependent upon the nature of the structures to be straightened or operated upon by the device. In the illustration given in Fig. 4, the frame F of the vehicle is anchored to the two eyebolts illustrated by suitable cable or chain 5'7, which must possess suitable strength to with-stand the loads applied. As iilustrated inFig. 6, which is a semi-diagrammatic plan view of the setup illustrated in Fig. 4, the longitudinal axis of the vehicle falls substantially within a vertical plane,'passing through the axis of the. body member 2 and extension member 6, so that the frame is substantially symmetricallypositioned with respect to the beam 1. Positioned above the free end of the extension member 6 is [a suitable hoisting means, which is illustrated in Fig. 4 as being a traveling power hoist comprising a power mechanism 58 supported by a carriage 59 movable along the fixed beam 61, the latter extending substantially parallel to the axis of the base member 4. The free. end of the hoisting chain or cable 62 is secured by a connecting chain or cable 63 to the front end of the vehicle which, in the illustration, is shown as attached to the car frame F but as a practical matter, may normally be secured' to any portion of the front end of the vehicle, as for example, the bumper, which will provide a satisfactory connection by means of which the front end of the vehicle may be elevated. It will be apparent that if the front end of the vehicle is elevated by means of the hoist 58, the vehicle will tend to move forward, taking out any slack in the connecting chains or cables 57 attached to the rear end of the frame. Following elevation of the vehicle, the'beam 1 is rotated upwardly into a position similar to that illustrated in Fig. 4, and a connecting chain or cable 65 is secured to the front end of the frame at a suitable point to place a desired portion of the frame under tension during operation of the apparatus. The cable 65 is passed over, or otherwise secured, to the arm 18 of the swivel member 16, and assuming that a straight tension force is to be applied to the frame, the frame would normally be connected by the cable 65 to the arm 18 in such manner that the cables 57 and 65 lie substantially on a line with the direction of the tension forces to be applied. The member 18 being free to rotate about the axis of the member 16. In actual practice, following attachment of the cable 65, which would of necessity require some slack therein, as the hydraulic jack 8 controls the length of the beam 1, the jack is actuated at this stage of the operation to lengthen the beam and remove all slack from the setup.

Following the completion of the connection, the front end of the vehicle is lowered slowly by means of the hoist 58, the front end of the vehicle thus tending to rotate downwardly, as does the beam 1. The forces produced as a result of downward movement of the beam 1 and the vehicle are diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. ffand 7. It will be noted that, with respect to rotation of the beam 1, the swivel member and arm 18 will travel in an arc about the axis of the base member 4 on a radius R1. At the same time, the front end of the frame F will tend to rotate downwardly about an axis, which may be considered as passing through the eyebolts 56 on a radius R2.

As the two arcs diverge as the beam 1 and frame F move downwardly, tension forces are set up in the frame F and connections 57 and 65, and compression forces in the beam 1, the beam 1 being of heavy material will withstand such forces, and likewise, sufficiently strong chains or cables 57 and 65 are employed to withstand the applied forces so that the relatively lighter frame F will elongate to tend to compensate for the arc divergence. By use of the desired tools and fixtures and the application of heat at desired points, the forming or straightening of the frame may be accurately localized and controlled. In some cases, it may be desirable to connect the chain or cable 57 at an intermediate point on the frame, as indicated in dotted lines57a in Fig. 5..

While the frame axis was initially considered above as passing through the eyebolts 56, as a practical matter, when the frame of a vehicle is being straightened as illustrated in Fig. 4, the rear wheels R of thevehicle forces. a restraining means by which such potential energy, and

7 r'estupon the floor orsupporting" surface 22, so that downward movement offthe rear' portion of the frame will be resisted to a certain extent .by the wheels R and the supportingspringlstructure; which will have a tendency to move the effective pivotal axis'of the car frame forward and upward. However, this action does not adversely affect the operation of the apparatus, as the axis-may'within'certain limits be variously positioned with respect to the .axis'of the beaml. Examples of other suitable positions are diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 7, wherein R1 represents the radius of the arc of the beam 1 and Rz'the'elfective radius of the equivalent of the setup illustrated in. Figs.i4 and 5, wherein the frame axis is positioned rearwai'dof the axis of the radius R1, but :onsubstantially a horizontal line therewith. R'aindicates a radiushavingan axis positioned above and-slightly'rearwardly from the axis of the'radius R1, andRuindicates a radius having its axis positioned above and forward of the axis-of the radius R1. It will be noted thatin all cases'the-respective arcs. of the radii R2, R3, and R4 diverge withrespect to the arc of the radius R1. Obviously, the amount of divergence and thus the possible total elongation will vary withchanges in the axial relationship of the radii. Generally as the axes are moved close to one another, the effective divergence will be reduced with an increase in mechanical advantage, and where spaced further apart the effective divergence is increased but with some reduction in the overall mechanical advantage. The general limits with respect to the relative positions of the axis of the beam 1 and the effective pivotal axis of the frame F or other object toobtain the desired tension forces on the latter may be broadly defined as substantially requiring that the effective pivot point of the frame or other object not be positioned below a plane containing the longitudinal and pivotal axes of the beam 1 when the latter is in an elevated position operative to apply force to the frame or other object. It will be appreciated that, if desired, it is readily possible to obtain mechanical advantages of an exceedingly high order. Similarly, the device illustrated, of a size to be employed in frame straightening operations, is capable, if desired, of producing a usable divergence or elongation of over two feet, the beam 1, in such case, being initially inclined at a greater angle with respect to the floor 22 than is illustrated in the drawings.

It will be noted that in this application of the invention,the front end of the vehicle will tend to rotate downwardly under its own weight, moving the beam 1' with it. Itwould appear'from tests of the apparatus under actual working conditions that in most vehicle straightening operations, the kinetic energy stored in the vehicle is more than adequate to provide sufficient power to actuate the apparatus and produce the desired tensioning Consequently, the hoist 53 functions merely as thus the applied forces may be readily and accutately controlled, and as hoists of this type are provided with remote control means, the operator may position himself at the most advantageous location for viewing the straightening operation. Thus by lowering the vehicle slightly, additional force may be applied to the frame. Simultaneously with the application of force, the point or points where the main metal working or forming is to take place may be heated sufiiciently to make them malleable, thus primarily localizing the shaping or forming of the metal to those points.

In a large number of straightening operations, it is desirable to apply forces not only in a longitudinal direction, but either laterally outward or upward, or to producetwisting or bending actions resulting from the application of forces in a plurality of directions. Figs. 8 through 11, as well as Figs. 4 to 6, illustrate several of many possible combinationswhich may be'obtained some :of the typical problems that may be encountered possibilities afforded by the present invention in applying multiple forces to portions of a vehicle frame to achieve the desired results. Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, it will be noted that the frame F has been so deformed that the right hand side frame member (the upper longitudinal frame member as viewed in Fig. 9) is oifset rearwardly with respect to the left side frame member, and it is desired to apply tension forces angularly with respect to the frame. In this setup, the car frame may be positioned diagonally across the beam 1, and the left rear end of the frame anchored to the right hand eye bolt 56, with the arm 18 of the swivel member being connected to the right side frame member intermediate its ends. The hoist 58 in such 'case would be moved along the beam 61 to a suitable position to elevate the vehicle. Thus, as the vehicle and beam move downwardly, tension forces are applied to the frame on a line passing through the points of connection of the cables 57 and 65 with the car frame exerting a twisting action on the entire frame structure.

In some instances it may be desirable to exert a torque or twisting action on one member of the frame, and examples of this operation are illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 10, it will be assumed that it is desired to axially twist the front cross member C of the frame, which can be readily accomplished by utilizing a tool or fixture 66, comprising an elongated bar 67, having a wheel or roller 68 at its lower end engageable with the supporting surface or floor 22, and constructed at its upper end with a suitably formed head 69 constructed to suitably engage the cross member C. If desired, the arm 67 may be constructed in a plurality of sections adjustably secured together by bolts 71, or other suitable means, whereby the length of the same may be varied. Likewise, the head 69 may be suitably constructed to provide desired degrees of adjustment. Thus, as the frame and beam move downward, the lower end of the tool 66 will move forward on the roller 68, as indicated in Fig. 10, applying a twisting force to the cross member C. This type of operation is of particular value in straightening control linkage, beam flanges, and other similar members.

Likewise, as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, a twisting or torque operation could be performed, for example, on one of the side members of the frame by means of a similar tool 72, which would have suitable means, such as l3. ball 73, at its lower end for engagement with the supporting surface, and a suitable head 74 engageable with the side frame member. It will be apparent that such a tool could be designed to impart a twisting action on the frame, as well as a bending action in a forward direction which may be readily varied by the relative positions of the point of connection of the tool 72 with the frame and location of the point of engagement of the lower end with the floor.

In other cases it may be desirable to produce a spreading action of portions of the frame with respect to the axis thereof, or to exert a bending action at a particular point along one of the frame members. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 also illustrate examples of setups for accomplishing these results. Thus, if it were desired to apply outward force on portions of the frame F, a tool or fixture 75 could be positioned between the beam 1 and the car frame, the fixture 75 merely being a rigid bar having suitably formed heads 76 and 77 to engage the beam 1 and carframe F, respectively, the bar preferably being made adjustable so that it may be set for the fixed length desired in the particular application, and as illustrated in Fig. 6, the bar would be so positioned that thehead 77 would engage the frame at the point at with the appar-atus, and are given 'merely tmillustrate '15 :which outwatdmressure is to be applied- The heads area-04s 76 and 77 of the member 75, if desired, may be suitably constructed to lock on the beam 1 and frame F, respectively, whereby movement in an axial direction with respect to the beam 1 is prevented. In cases where it is desired to apply a bending force to the frame, as for example, assuming it is desired to bend the front end of one of the side frame members about a point P intermediate the ends of the frame, a suitable member or beam 78 could be positioned between the frame F and the supporting surface 22, the upper end of the beam 78 being positioned at the point where the bending is to take place, and the lower end so positioned that substantially only compression forces are produced in the beam 78. It might be mentioned that in using tools or fixtures such as those illustrated, the method of use will vary with the particular effects desired. In most cases they will not be used throughout the operation but intermittently employed. For example, it may be necessary to use one of the tools only during the initial portion of the operation, during the final portion of the operation, or during intermediate portions of the same. In some cases, combinations of the above would be desirable.

It will be appreciated that while a number of different applications of force to a vehicle frame are illustrated,

a plurality of forces may be applied in different directions simultaneously to produce the desired forming or deforming of the particular elements being operated upon, so that a skilled operator may, in a large majority of common straightening jobs, suitably set up the apparatus to produce the desired straightening results in a single downward movement of the vehicle and beam 1, although some cases it may be necessary or desirable to perform additional operations rather than attempt to complete the job in one. a

The invention is also applicable to forming and straightening operations of relatively small objects, such a setup being illustrated in Fig. 12, wherein it will be assumed that it is desired to straighten a bumper D. In this setup, a relatively heavy table 79, capable of withstanding the applied forces, is provided, the table 79 having a top. 81 and four legs 82, with the table being positioned above the beam 1. The ends of the bumper D are connected by suitable chains or cables 57 and 65' to the arm 18 and eye bolt 56, respectively, so that tension may be applied to the bumper D. It will be noted that with this setup, by merely producing slack in the cables 65 and 57', the bumper D, or other object, may be readily axially turned around on the table so that successive operations may be performed on both sides of the same without disconnecting the apparatus. As illustrated in Fig. 12', the table 79 may be made adjustable, whereby the length of-the same may be readily varied to accommodate different sized objects, and enable the forces to be applied as desired. For example, in

connection with the straightening of a bumper D, it normally may be desirable to have the ends of the bumper extend outwardly beyond the ends of the table, whereby the center portion of the bumper may be positioned fiat on the table.

In some cases it may be desirable to apply downward force on the beam 1 in addition to the gravitational forces, which may be applied as a result of the positioning of the vehicle, or other object. This may be readily accomplished by connecting a cable 83 to the outer end of the beam 1, as for example, to the swivel member 16, with the cable extending downwardly and around a suitable pulley 84, and thence upwardly for connection to the hoist 5S. Normally the excess chain or cable of such type of hoist extends downwardly therefrom to form a loop 62', and in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 13, the adjacent end of the cable 83 is secured to a yoke 85, which carries a pulley wheel 86 around which the loop 62 extends. Thus as the free end of the cable 62 is permitted to move downwardly,

thereby lowering the car frame F, the loop 62' becomes shorter,'and thus draws the end of the beam 1 downwardly. It will also be apparent that as the cable 83 .the effect of the counterbalance 31 is reduced. To this end, the counterbalance 31 is preferably made adjustable so that the counterbalancing action may be varied. This may be accomplished by adjustment of the counterbalance along the arm 32, as for example, by means of the adjustable collars 36, or by providing suitable supplementary means for supporting the weight of the counterbalance. Likewise, adjustment of the counterbalance could be readily achieved by suitable means for varying the position of the latter by suitable mechanism actuatable above the floor 22. Similarly, where a spring counterbalance is employed, the member 47 could, for example, be rotatably mounted, and suitable ratchet means utilized to rotate the member 47 in either direction, at the same time firmly retaining it in any adjusted position so that the torque force applied by the spring 42 could be diminished or increased. The hydraulic jack 8 also provides means for applying additional force, when desirable, as the jack will tend to increase the effective length of the beam 1.

It will be appreciated from the above description that the present invention enables the application of a plurality of forces in different directions on a vehicle frame, or other object, which forces may be applied simultaneously, and for all practical purposes, in relatively unlimited directions. This feature is of considerable importance in straightening structures, such as car frames, which have normally been deformed in accidents involving sharp blows by either moving or stationary objects, and usually while the vehicle itself ismoving. The combination of forces resulting, for example, from the collision of two vehicles, both of which are moving, is in most cases totally different than deforming operations performed on a stationary object, whereby the metal may be bent, twisted, rolled, and otherwise distorted from its original shape. Thus a frame may be deformed in a manner commonly termed in the trade as knurled, which type of deformation is exceedingly difiicult, even oftentimes impossible to reshape into any near resemblance to its original shape by present types of equipment without loss in the strength of the material, as for example, from cracks, and other damage or deterioration to the metal structure resulting from the application of the type of straightening forces employed in present equipment. Such action results primarily from the inability of such apparatus to exert straightening forces reversely comparable in magnitude and line of direction to those which produced the deformation, and particularly to apply the various correcting forces simultaneously to the frame. It will also be appreciated that in the art of straightening vehicle frames, and the like, each particular case, especially the difficult ones, will normally require its own individual solution with respect to the particular forces required to achieve the desired results, and by use of the present invention, a person skilled in the art of straightening vehicle frames can readily determine and apply the necessary forces in the required directions to the frame, and as required, can apply such forces simultaneously. The invention has proved itself to have substantially unlimited possibilities in this field, and Where special cases have required the application of forces in an unusual or different combination than herein shown or theretofore employed by the operator, an experienced operator has been able to readily determine the setup required, and where necessary readily build or obtain tools or fixtures suitable to achieve the desired results.

Consequently, the use of the present invention is limited substantially only by the skill of 1;.

11 operator utilizing the "same, and in actual practice excellent results have also been obtained in straightening portions oficar. bodies; fenders, and the like, the operator having little difficulty in determining the particular setup required to utilize the forces capable of being produced by the apparatus.

It will also be noted that with the present invention, it is not necessary for the operator to work underneath the vehicle, as substantially all'connections and adjustment of fixtures, tools, etc., may be made with the operator positioned at one or the other sides or ends of the vehicle,

whereby maximum safety is achieved. Likewise, it will be apparent that relatively simple fixtures and tools may be utilized in connection with the device, even to the extent that the average mechanic may readily fabricate a particular fixture or tool to meet any particular case.

It will be apparent from the above description that the present invention provides a straightening apparatus which is exceedingly simple in construction and operation, and which is very eificient both from a manpower and'timesaving viewpoint, as well as in the efiiciency of the straightening operation.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be' made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact steps, form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. The method of straightening vehicle frames and the like, comprising placing the vehicle over a member of relatively fixed length, pivotally related at one end to a supporting structure, elevating the end of the vehicle adjacent the free end of the member, maintaining the end of the vehicle adjacent the pivotal axis of the member relatively immobile in a longitudinal direction but permitting pivotal movement of the vehicle about an axis adjacent to but spaced from the pivotal axis of said member, elevating the free end of the latter and connecting an elevated portion of the member to an elevated portion of the vehicle frame with the point of connection to the elevated portion of the object being within the circle of generation of the free end of the member, the pivotal axis of the vehicle being positioned above the longitudinal axis of said member when the latter is in such elevated position, and moving the elevated portions of thevehicle andmember downwardly about their respective axes to apply tension forces to the vehicle frame.

2. The method of straightening vehicle. frames and the like, comprising placing the vehicle over a member of relatively fixed length, pivotally related at one end to a supporting structure, elevating the end of the vehicle adjacent the free end of the member, maintaining the end of the vehicle adjacent the pivotal axis of the member relatively immobile in a longitudinal direction but permitting pivotal movement of the vehicle about an axis adjacent to but spaced from the axis of said member, elevating the free end of the latter and connecting an elevated portion of the member to an elevated portion of the vehicle frame, so selecting the points of connection and relative positions of the axes that the pivotal point of the vehicle frame is positioned above a plane containing the longitudinal and pivotal axes of the member when the latter is in an elevated position and thepoint of connection to the elevated portion of the object is within the circle of generation of the free end of the member operative to apply forces to the vehicle frame, and permitting the vehicle and member to move downwardly, under the action of gravity whereby the potential energy-storedin the elevated vehicle produces tension forces on the vehicle frame.

3. In a straightening and forming apparatus, the combination of -'an elongated movable beam comprisinga tubular body member and an elongated tubular base member, rigidly connected to one end of said body member and extending transversely outwardly therefrom on opposite sides of the axis of the body member, the axis of the base member extending at right angles to the axis of said body member, and an extension member slidably and adjustably carried by said body member, a bed structure having means for supporting said beam for rotation about the axi of said base member, counterbalance means associated with said beam for countering the weight of the latter, means for connecting an object to be straightened, positioned above said beam, to the latter at a point spaced forward from the pivotal axis thereof, and means associated with the bed structure and located on the opposite side of the axis of the base member from the preceding means for connecting the object to the beam with the portion to be straightened extending between said connections.

4. In an apparatus of the kind described, the combination of a tubular body member, a tubular base member, said body member being rigidly secured to the base member with the axes of the respective members intersecting and extending at right angles to one another, said base member extending outwardly on-opposite sides of the axis of the body member to form a generally T-shaped structure, reinforcing means extending between the base and body members, a movable tubular extension member eoaxially' positioned in said body member with the outer end of the extension extending therefrom, power actuated means positioned in said body member adjacent the base member and operatively related to said extension member for urging the latter in an axially outward direction, a cable or chain anchor member removably carried by the extension memberat the outer end thereof, said anchor member being rotatable about the axis of the extension member, a horizontally extending bed structure having a recess therein of a size to receive said base member, said recess being shaped to restrict axial and lateral movement of said base member but permit axial rotation thereof, said recess including a portion of a size to receive the body member, said reinforcing means and said extension member whereby the same may be positioned in a horizontal plane when not in use, counterbalancing means for countering the weight of said body and extension members, a traveling hoist mechanism positioned above the free end of said extension member movable along a line extending substantially parallel to the axis of said base member for hoisting an object to be operated upon, and means positioned adjacent to the latter axis for restricting movement of such an object in a direction toward said extension member.

5. An apparatus as claimedin claim 4 wherein said counterbalancing means includes a counterbalance weight associated with said base and body members.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim'4 wherein said counterbalancing means comprises a pair of coiled torque springs positioned in the base member at respective ends thereof, one end of each spring being rigidly connected to the base member and the other end to the bedstructure whereby said springs oppose the actionof gravity on said body and extension members.

7. Themethod of'reforming an object which has been deformed by the application of forces along a particular line angularly related to the transverse and longitudinal axes of the object, which comprises the following steps: placing the object over a member of relatively fixed length, pivotally related at one end to a. supporting structure for movement about a pivotal transverse axis, elevating the end-of the object adjacent the free end of the member, maintaining the end of the object adjacent the pivotal axis of the member relatively immobile in a longitudinal direction but permitting pivotal movement of the object about an axis adjacent'to but spaced from the pivotal axis ofsaid member, the pivotal axis of the object being positioned to the rear of the pivotal axis of said member when the latter is in such elevated position, elevating the free end of the aforesaid member and flexibly connecting that end of the member to the front end of the object with the aforesaid flexible connection to the aforesaid member ahead of the connection thereof to the object, releasing the object and the member to the action of gravity, the arrangement being such that the object is subjected to the action of forces along the approximate line of the forces which originally produced the deformation but in the opposite direction there to causing the object to move in other directions in response to reforming movement of said deformed portions of said object.

8. The method of reforming an object which has been deformed by the application of forces thereto along a particular line and in a particular direction, which comprisesthe following steps: positioning the object to overlie an elongated means which is pivotally related and operatively connected at one end to a supporting structure about a transverse axis, hoisting an end of said object for later downward movement, operatively afiixing the opposite end of the object rearwardly of the pivotal connection of the elongated means, raising the elongated means about its axis to a position adjacent the raised object, operatively connecting the front end of the object to the front end of the elongated means with the aforesaid connection to the elongated means ahead of the connection thereof to the object, and releasing the object to the action of the force of gravity so that a downward component of force applied to the object subjects the object to tension and effects straightening of the deformed object.

9. In a straightening and forming apparatus, the combination of an elongated movable beam comprising a tubular body member and an elongated tubular base member, rigidly connected to one end of said body memher and extending transversely outwardly therefrom on opposite sides of the axis of the body member at right angles to the axis of the body member, a bed structure having means for supporting said beam for rotation about the axis of said base member, means operatively asso ciated with said beam for counterbalancing the weight of the beam in the operative positions thereof, hoisting means operatively positioned above the beam for operative connection to an object to be straightened, flexible means for operatively connecting the front of the beam to the object to be straightened, and means associated with the bed structure and operatively positioned to the rear of the axis of the base member for connecting said object thereto with the portion to be straightened extending between said connections so that the object is placed under tension by downward movement of the beam from an elevated position thereof.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 270,221 Houghton Jan. 9, 1883 496,777 Ehrgott May 2, 1893 554,789 Peeples Feb. 18, 1896 723,924 Sandy Mar. 31, 1903 1,414,835 Spohrer May 2, 1922 1,785,923 Wade Dec. 23, 1930 2,069,249 Hunt Feb. 2, 1937 2,102,439 Schildmeier Dec. 14, 1937 2,442,268 Fields et al. May 25, 1948 2,515,734 Rathgen July 18, 1950 2,541,793 Thompson Feb. 13, 1951 2,596,976 Barber May 20, 1952 2,597,103 Johnson et al. May 20, 1952 2,615,584 Adams Oct. 28, 1952 2,617,628 Wagner Nov. 11, 1952 

